The pamphlet examines the background to the current crisis in the Middle East and the challenges this poses for the Left.

It highlights the importance of securing a sovereign Palestinian State with full powers as required by UN resolution.

It also argues that the political use of Islam, in terms of religious fundamentalism, has been a relatively new development, that the Middle East has a strong tradition of secular and socialist politics and that the rise of religious fundamentalism has been closely linked to the reactionary agendas of the regional allies of imperialism.

The pamphlet is based on contributions to the seminar organised in 2015 by the Coordinating Committee for Communist Parties in Britain and has been developed and updated with the cooperation of the International Commission of the Communist Party of Britain.

The Communist Party believes that socialist revolution and the construction of a fundamentally new type of society to replace capitalism is essential for the future of humanity and our planet.

In all three countries of Britain, capitalism has become a barrier to balanced economic development, environmental security, social justice and meaningful democracy. The big business profit system has to be replaced by a new system – socialism – based on mass participation in decision making, social ownership of the economy, democratic planning and solidarity.

But fundamental change will also require a transfer of political power, taking it out of the hands of a small number of monopoly capitalists whose interests dominate our society.

Such a revolutionary process will have to be led by the working class – the producers of society's wealth – at the head of an alliance of forces representing the interests of the people as a whole.

What is the role of the Communist Party in helping to achieve a socialist society in England, Scotland and Wales? Why is a strong and influential Communist Party essential for victory?

This pamphlet aims to stimulate discussion and understanding of the unique role that only a communist party can play. It divides into four distinct but inter-related sections, each of which can form the basis for a political education session or class.

1 2015: a year of struggle January 21 Despite its flaws Labour remains the best choice for the working class March 113 Socialism is the only antidote to exploitation May 14 After the election, what priorities for the left? May 236 The Tories are fighting on a wide front – so must we June 208 Bail-out sell out July 1410 The illusory recovery August 812 Big spending – the spark our economy needs August 1014 Corbyn's victory stands to chart a new course for Britain September 1416 An unabashed socialist is at the helm again October 318 Privatise the profits – the only game in Tory town November 2720 2016: A year for decisive advance November 2822 March, demonstrate, lobby & strike against Tory government policies January 2, 2016

This pamphlet ends with a warning. The EU’s imposition of neo-liberal policies on all governments, including those led by the traditional parties of the Left, has resulted in the collapse of support for social democracy. In the coming referendum voters will be asked to support an even more neo-liberal and probusiness EU. Politically, such an outcome would pose an additional danger that Cameron would use it to argue that the electorate has voted in support of the EU’s so-called free market policies and therefore against Labour’s programme for public ownership and enhanced public spending.